John Pryor AREINZ - Kawau Island's & the Greater Kawau Bay's Resident Property Specialists

More about life and property on Kawau
by John Pryor...


Buying and owning property on Kawau Island is different!

Different concepts, different priorities and different ways of doing things. In view of this, local knowledge is both essential and valuable if you wish to choose the property that will suit you best. Local knowledge also helps avoid costly and unpleasant mistakes.

Size and Location

Kawau Island covers an area of approximately 5000 acres, the bulk of which is in private ownership. There are around 450 individual ratepayers and approximately 100 permanent residents. (this figure varies from time to time)

The main areas of occupation are:

• Vivian Bay
• North Cove
• Bon Accord Harbour
• South Cove

These areas all have their different characteristics and according to individual needs may offer better or worse solutions. Our local knowledge can be helpful in assessing which area may suit you best.

Community Organisations

Kawau Island is unique in having it’s own Special Advisory Committee which was set up by an Order in Council, to represent the interests of Kawau Island Residents, with regard to Rodney District Council. This committee liaises with the R.D.C on all matters affecting the Island.
In addition, The Kawau Island Residents and Ratepayers Association, acts in a proactive and positive way, to promote and protect the interests of all Kawau Island Ratepayers.

Property Supply

One of the first things to appreciate is that there is a very limited number of properties available for sale and that, as many properties are being put into family trusts or similar arrangements, the potential pool is actually shrinking. For this reason the choice at any one time is never great. Sales records show that over half the properties sold on Kawau Island are never officially listed with or promoted by Real Estate Companies.

Through living on the Island I am aware of most properties that may be available at any time and those that are likely to become available in the futures. I can also search for a property likely to meet particular requirements.

Access

Because Kawau Island is virtually road-less, the way in which you get to your property, is very different to the conventional mainland situation. Apart from those of you with helicopters, most people get to the Island by sea (either on a Ferry or in their own boat). Once you land, getting yourself and your belongings to your house can add a whole new dimension to your life! (see section on tides)

Most properties have either their own wharf/jetty, or more commonly, a share in such. This aspect of Kawau Island property is perhaps one of the most important of all, for both holiday homes and permanent residences. It can and does enormously affect the enjoyment and utilization of your property. We are well able to advise you, on this sometimes complex matter.

Water Supply

There is no reticulated water on Kawau Island so the majority of properties rely on tank water for their domestic supply. If you are buying a property this is another aspect you need to take into account. Existing dwellings will normally have adequate tankage in place, but if building, you need to allow for installing a tank or tanks. Please ask if you would like any advice in this regard.

Sanitization

Most Kawau Island properties have Septic tanks (some use long drops) and the condition and siting of these should be checked with existing dwellings.

When building you will have the pleasure of planning a new system which will need to comply with current rules and regulations.

Power and Phone

These services tend to be taken for granted elsewhere but again need checking out here. Power is reticulated to most of the Island and can be extended to properties which are not presently serviced. As we live in a roadless paradise, power lines follow the hill tops rather than marching alongside the tarmac. The same applies to the phone lines.

Tides

For most of us, living in a marine environment necessitates working on the ebb and flow of the tides. To those who have been here for some time, this becomes second nature. To the newcomer, it takes some adjusting to. Once you make the transition it will seem the most natural thing in the world. As mentioned previously your wharf access arrangements can make this aspect easier or more difficult.

General

Every property on Kawau Island is unique!

Each one has its charm and appeal and each is different from its neighbors in ways beyond measure.

The Island combines a fascinating history of early settlement and industry, with a beautiful location and serenity.
In many ways it is becoming a rare privilege to own property here and to have the freedom to create your own lifestyle without the intrusion to or from others.
It can be a paradise with the right property, or it can be a problem, with the wrong one.

I am here to help you make the best choice.

John Pryor.